Food Done Right

Tom Keogh has a great story to tell. Their family has been farming the land for over three generations, supplying the fresh produce market with potatoes grown on the farm in North County Dublin. Faced with falling demand for fresh spuds, Tom took a bold step, he began making crisps by hand in a shed on the farm. That small experiment became Keogh's Crisps, now one of Ireland's best-loved food brands and a growing global export. Along the way, Tom has helped to revive interest in the humble potato, champion Irish produce and shine a light on the food security challenges facing Irish horticulture today. In this episode of Food Matters, Tom talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about the heritage of Irish spuds, the ups and downs of launching a food brand, and why we need to protect the future of vegetable growing in Ireland. 

John Gilliland is on a mission to transform how we think about food, farming, and the environment. At Brook Hall Estate, his family's historic farm in Derry, John began by trying to lower his farm's energy bills, but his changes grew into a model for climate-friendly farming that's now guiding policy in Northern Ireland and beyond.An award-winning farmer and one of the world's leading voices in agricultural sustainability, John has pioneered techniques to take his farm beyond carbon neutral.In this episode of Food Matters, John talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about why he started making changes, what he's learned, and how we can all be part of a better food future.

Having spent over a decade as an international pro surfer, Fergal Smith made the life-changing decision to return home to the west of Ireland and follow in his father's footsteps as an organic farmer. Starting with just half an acre of land, Fergal has slowly grown his innovative food business, Moy Hill Farm, into a 120-acre certified organic farm, growing vegetables using the no dig system, the Korean Natural Farming method, and Holistic Management.  In this episode of Food Matters, Fergal joins Mick Kelly of GIY to talk about how the Fukushima nuclear disaster inspired him to make this major life decision, the challenges and triumphs of building Moy Hill, and his commitment to sustainability, community, and inspiring the next generation of farmers. 

Dr Ollie Moore is an expert in the sociology of farming and food, and one of Ireland's leading experts on food systems and champions of food justice.  As a member of Talamh Beo, Ollie was invited by a farming development and advocacy organisation in Palestine to visit the West Bank and learn about what life is like for food producers in an area that is renowned for endless conflict and highly challenging living and working conditions. It was a very eye opening and at times, difficult and emotional trip, and in this episode of Food Matters, Ollie joins Mick Kelly of GIY to share his experience. They talk about the fears he felt before going, the people he met and risky situations he found himself in during his time there, and what he has learned about food security and the resilience of the farmers and Palestinian people along the way. 

Mitch McCullough's journey into the world of heirloom seeds and heritage vegetables is anything but ordinary. A former chef turned grower, Mitch explores the fascinating stories behind the plants we eat. His book, ‘The Seed Hunter: Discover the World's Most Unusual Heirloom Plants', is more than a gardening guide - it's a deep dive into rare and unusual varieties, culinary traditions, and the importance of preserving seed diversity..  In this episode of Food Matters, Mitch talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about how his journey from chef to grower led him to seed-saving. He discusses the loss of heritage vegetables, the importance of seed diversity, and his global search for rare crops.

We talk a lot about the future of food on this podcast, but what about the past? Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire is on a mission to uncover and celebrate Ireland's deep-rooted food history. From the earliest evidence of dairy farming over 5,000 years ago to trade networks that shaped our cuisine, he explores how food connects us to our past. An award-winning chef, educator, food historian, and broadcaster, Máirtín is also the co-editor of ‘Irish Food History: A Companion', a book that traces Ireland's food journey from early hunter-gatherers right up to modern Irish cuisine.In this episode of Food Matters, Máirtín talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about some of Ireland's most fascinating food traditions, the influence of figures like Myrtle Allen, the resurgence of food storytelling, and the challenges facing Irish vegetable growers today.

Colman Power's mission is a simple one – to help people become happier and healthier through good food, regular movement, and spending time in nature. Having studied horticulture at third level, Coleman became a skilled organic grower and a personal trainer. He has combined his twin passions into a career as an educator and author, self-publishing the no1 Amazon best-seller, The Power of Organic Fitness. In this episode of Food Matters, Coleman talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about how he found his purpose after a difficult start in life, his passion for sharing the knowledge he has accrued about food and fitness, and how he has been inspired by the food producers he has met on his travels across Ireland. 

Kevin Wallace had no farming background at all, yet he has become one of Ireland's most successful small-scale producers, growing a range of produce including salad greens, summer crops and speciality products for hotels, restaurants and cafés. Kevin is passionate about soil health and microbial balance, implementing practices such as the ‘no-dig' and Korean Natural Farming methods to ensure that he is working in harmony with nature. In this episode of Food Matters, Kevin talks to Mick Kelly of GIY about the difficult yet rewarding life of a micro-farmer, the unique philosophy behind New Leaf Urban Farmers, and his tireless efforts to creating a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem. 

When Conor Spacey was working in his first kitchen he was shocked at the amount of perfectly good food being thrown away. He convinced his boss to let him save it, cook it, and use it to feed all of his colleagues. It was a small change that made a big difference to the kitchen's sustainability and its bottom line. Ever since, Conor has dedicated his career to fighting food waste and creating a fairer food system.Today, Conor is the Culinary Director of FoodSpace Ireland and a co-founder of the Chef's Manifesto. In this episode of Food Matters, Conor joins Mick Kelly of GIY to talk about his 35-year career in the food industry and how zero-waste can be achieved in hospitality, schools, at home, and in the supply chain.

When Ciara O hArtghaile returned home to Co Antrim, after a year living in New Zealand, she and her husband had a clear mission: to build a community around love of good food, in their home town of Ballycastle. They started to bake high quality sourdough bread in the small domestic oven of their rented apartment, just three loaves at a time.  Today, they run the highly successful Ursa Minor Bakehouse cafe, a cookery school, and a professional bakery turning out 300 loaves a day!In this episode of Food Matters, Ciara joins Mick Kelly of GIY to share the story of building their business, creating a food community around it, and her views on how to make a better food system. Check out Ciara's award-winning Substack about food and life on the North Coast – Gorse

Brian McCarthy founded innovative urban farming project Cork Rooftop Farm during the first covid lockdown in March 2020. Situated on a rooftop in Cork city centre, the farm started off as a personal project to grow fruit and vegetables. But Brian started to see the potential for something much bigger and, today,  Cork Rooftop Farm is a thriving business and a poster child for how urban farming can play a major role in addressing food security, sustainability, and community healthIn this episode of Food Matters, Brian shares his inspiring journey from a tech career to becoming one of Ireland's leading urban farmers. In conversation with Mick Kelly of GIY, Brian talks about the challenges and successes of transforming a rooftop into a farm, the importance of urban agriculture, and its potential to shape the future of food.

Darryl Gadzekpo and Ella Phillips are on a mission to get kids growing, cooking, and eating more plant-powered food. Having previously worked in the arts, Darryl and Ella have brought all of that creativity into what they do today: growing interesting veg in their urban garden, running cookery workshops and pop-up dining experiences, and packing as much flavour as possible into vegan dishes. In this episode of Food Matters, they tell Mick Kelly of GIY about their experience of adopting a plant-based diet, the impact on their health and wellbeing, and how they infuse their food with Caribbean flavours. They also talk about their ever-expanding allotment in London, the power of letting kids get messy in the garden, and why food is a “magical time capsule” for stories and traditions.  Check out Darryl and Ella's new book, From Plant to Plate: Turn Home-Grown Ingredients Into Healthy Meals!

Did you know that Ireland is very well-suited for growing apples, but despite that, we import over 95% of the apples we eat? Irish apples can sometimes be difficult to buy, but when you do find them, there's a good chance they were grown by Con Traas. Con has 40,000 apple trees on ‘The Apple Farm' in Co Tipperary and he sells the fruit directly from his on-site farm shop and also produces apple juice, cider, crisps, vinegar, jams and jellies. In this episode of Food Matters, Con joins Mick Kelly of GIY to share the story of taking over the farm from his parents and how he has scaled and diversified the business since. They also talk about the challenges of fruit production in Ireland, Con's positive experience with major retailers, and the impending threats of climate change. 

In 2004, David and Stephen Flynn, aka The Happy Pear, opened a small fruit and veg shop in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, with a dream of helping people eat more veg. Now, two decades later, The Happy Pear is one of the best-known and loved brands in Ireland, and has scaled into a highly successful business comprising over 80 products, online courses, best-selling books, a coffee roastery, a farm and more.   In this episode of Food Matters, Dave and Steve join Mick Kelly in Grow HQ to share the highs and lows of their 20-year journey building The Happy Pear. They talk about how it all started, how the business and their approach to life has evolved, navigating difficult times professionally and personally, our obsession with protein and neglect of fibre, and lots more.   

So is it possible that digging your garden is a total waste of your time? According to our guest on this episode, it may be time to put down that shovel and spend those precious hours doing something way more productive.  Charles Dowding is best known as the ‘No-Dig Guru. He trained as a horticulturalist and became very interested in the links between soil and nutrition. During his studies, he discovered that we can have healthier soil by leaving it undisturbed, and just feeding it with compost from above. On this episode of Food Matters Charles reveals the science behind his revolutionary approach to gardening and food production. It's a wide-ranging conversation touching on topics like soil health, the nutritional density of fruit and veg and the global food system. And its packed full of practical knowledge and advice to help you to become the best version of your best home-grower self. 

Lynsay Orton always had a passion for growing rare and exotic fruit and veg until unexpected family circumstances turned that passion into a very niche and successful business. Operating out of just six polytunnels on Ross Hazel Farm, Lynsay grows over 1500 plants exclusively for chefs that cook for some of the world's biggest companies.On this episode of Food Matters, Lynsay Orton shares the story of how her love of growing suddenly became a full-time career. In conversation with Mick Kelly of GIY, Lynsay also talks about how she organises her growing year and some of the tips and tricks she has learned about successfully cultivating an array of rare and interesting produce, something that will be of interest to any home grower. Click here to catch a glimpse of what Lynsay and Mick were up to during the interview'

Pete Russell was running a 12m dollar-a-year food company when, suddenly, he had a “road to Damascus” moment.  Pete realised that he was a part of a broken food system that was loaded against small food producers, and he knew that he wanted to be part of the solution rather than the problem. So he launched Ooooby, a platform that connects small food producers directly with consumers, making it easier for people to access locally-grown produce while supporting sustainable farming practices. In this episode of Food Matters, Pete shares the story of leaving the world of mass food production to level the playing field for small scale family farms and artisan food producers.They also talk about: ·       How Pete built a $12m dollar-per-year business in Australia and what it taught him about the global food system.·       The process of change – what drove him to leave it all behind and focus on a system build on fairness and food sustainability. ·       His first encounter with the iphone and why he knew it was to change how we shop forever.·       Why understanding that price and convenience are what people want is key to really changing the food system.·       The highs and lows of building Ooooby, and what the future holds. GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

When we work with, rather than against nature, great things can happen: soil is healthier, biodiversity richer, and crop yields higher. Perrine Hervé-Gruyer learned this first-hand when she and her husband created The Bec Hellouin farm in Normandy, France in 2006. Determined to work in harmony with nature, and with no previous farming experience, they gave up their successful careers to build a market garden based on the principles of permaculture. And the results have been ground-breaking.In this episode of Food Matters, Perrine joins host Mick Kelly of GIY to talk about this fascinating 20-yr journey of creating one of Europe's most renowned market gardens, how she overcame some of the unique challenges that she faced along the way, and how we can all work a little more closely with nature when it comes to our own growing practices. They also discuss:·      The sceptical reception they received from their new neighbours due to their unorthodox farming practices, and what happened next. ·      Some of the practical ways in which they created a more harmonious relationship with nature. ·      How their by-hand approach achieves yields of up to ten times those of mechanised farming. ·      The critical role that animals have played in the success of The Bec Hellouin farm.·      Why she believes permaculture is the key to true food sustainability GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

Mark Diacono found his life's purpose and direction through food and he has dedicated his life to growing, cooking and writing about it. Having been involved in the early days of River Cottage, Mark went on to pursue his dream of creating his own farm, turning two blank fields in southwest England into 17-acres of diverse fruit and veg plots, orchards and forest gardens. In this episode of Food Matters, Mark shares his incredible life story with GIY founder Mick Kelly, along with his thoughts on modern diets, food sustainability, and the transformational power of quality homegrown produce. They also talk about:Mark's love of writing books and all about his latest one, called ‘Vegetables'. How to get creative with growing and cooking vegetables while also making sure you're also getting all the nutrition you need. His memories of River Cottage and the valuable lessons he learned during his time there. Why tasting a mulberry change his life.The biggest mistake most of us make when growing courgettes.  Why he feels people in Ireland and the UK spend so little on quality food, and what needs to happen to change it.

Cork-born Karen O'Donoghue is a woman with a mission: to improve people's gut health through the bread she bakes at The Happy Tummy Co. in Westport, Co Mayo. Her baked goods are the culmination of a long and sometimes painful journey involving the loss of her mother to cancer, years spent suffering through poor mental and physical health, and ultimately teaching herself all about optimum nutrition. In this episode of Food Matters, Karen shares the fascinating story of how she healed herself and found happiness through food. In conversation with Mick Kelly of GIY, Karen also talks about: ·       The critical importance of eating the right amount of fibre.·       Discovering Teff and why it is the most important grain in the world.·       Why she feels capitalism is at the root of poor diets. ·       Building a business on a €25 loaf of bread - a product packed with sustainable, regenerative ingredients.  ·       Her lifelong mission to help everyone to heal themselves through food. GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

Sally Barnes is both a force of nature and a champion for it.  One of Ireland's most iconic artisan food producers, Sally runs the last smokehouse in Ireland that deals exclusively with Ireland's diminishing stock of wild fish. Sally started out by smoking fish in a tea chest in the early 1980s as a way of preserving unexpected gluts, and in the years that followed she has taught herself the techniques of the trade through trial and error and lots of experimentation. Today, Sally is renowned for her top quality, award-winning produce and passion for nature and food sustainability. In conversation with Mick Kelly of GIY, Sally talks about: ·      Moving to a small fishing community in Cork in the 1970s and teaching herself how to smoke fish·      Her concern about what is happening to our stocks of wild salmon and why that is important on a wider, global food scale ·      Why she is vehemently opposed to salmon farming ·      The importance of educating a new generation of food students.·      Why she avoids shopping in the big retailers and supports independent food stores. GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

Get the jars, vinegar and flavourings at the ready because Caitlin Ruth is about to inspire you to start pickling and preserving everything you can get your hands on. Caitlin worked as a professional chef in many kitchens in many places, but her childhood love of pickling and fermenting always came with her. She has now captured all of her favourite recipes and tips and tricks in a beautiful new book called Funky, which is published by the incredible Blasta Books – publishers to the stars of the food world and admired by renowned chefs including Nigella Lawson. In this episode, Caitlin and Mick Kelly of GIY chat about: ·      How Caitlin got her start in restaurant kitchens at the young age of 12!·      Moving to Ireland and becoming a stalwart of the west cork food scene, working in famous spots like Dillons of Timoleague and Deasys of Clonakilty. ·      Her love of pickling and fermenting and what drives her to spend so much time and effort making them and creating new recipes. ·      Why pickling and preserving hold the keys to food sustainability. ·      Some of Caitlin's favourite recipes, tips and tricks that you can try right away.  GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

They say that size doesn't matter, it's what you do with it that counts. And when it comes to growing our own food, that's certainly the case. Renowned gardener Huw Richards and highly accomplished chef Sam Cooper have spent the last two years working out how we can all grow as much fruit and veg as we can eat, on just a small plot of land. They share this perfect growing formula, along with practical tips, recipes and month by month growing plans in their new book, The Self-Sufficiency Garden: Feed Your Family and Save Money. In conversation with GIY Founder Mick Kelly, Huw and Sam describe their two-year food production journey, what they have learned about growing copious amounts of food in small spaces, and what this means for nutrition and food sustainability.They also talk about:    ·      Working smart – Growing your ‘five-a-day' with just four hours of work per week in the garden.·      The importance of soil health and organic matter in creating a resilient garden, especially in the face of climate change. ·      The culinary benefits, superior taste and nutritional value of homegrown produce compared to store-bought vegetables. ·      The interconnectedness of growing food and cooking it, and their experiences growing new and interesting crops with varying flavour profiles. ·      Food security and the environmental impact of urban agriculture and why, with thoughtful planning and sustainable practices, anyone can contribute to a more resilient and nutritious food system.GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

Flahavans is one of Ireland's most iconic family businesses. Having milled locally-grown oats in Co Waterford for almost 250 years, the family has built the Flahavans brand over seven generations and it is now synonymous with porridge and other nutritious oat-based foods. In recent years, Flahavans has invested heavily in expanding the product range, which now includes oat milk, flapjacks, mueslis and granolas. In this episode of Food Matters, Mick Kelly meets family member Johnny Flahavan, who has recently returned home from London to raise his family in Kilmacthomas and, along with his siblings, take over the running of Flahavans. They chat about:·      The history of Flahavans and the important role it has played in the community for over two centuries ·      The innovation that the company has always shown in energy generation, from being powered by the River Mahon to using oat husks as a fuel source·      The dynamics of being part of a seven-generation family business and the pressures of taking over the operations ·      Why oats play a vital role in food sustainability ·    Johnny's plans for growing the Flahavan's brand and product range GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie  

Most of us have grown up learning that bugs and bacteria are bad, but did you know that our bodies are packed full of little microbes that are working day and night to keep us healthy and happy? Collectively, we call this the microbiome, and the better we take care of it, the better it can take care of us. Dr Rebecca O' Mahony of BiomiCare is one of Ireland's leading experts on the microbiome and what we need to do to ensure that it is performing at its best. On this episode of Food Matters, Dr O'Mahony joins GIY Founder Mick Kelly to talk about: ·      What exactly the microbiome is, how it works, and why it plays such a central role in our everyday lives ·      What inspired her to set up BiomiCare – a company that analyses how well our microbiome is performing and provides advice on how to help it to work better·      The foods and drinks we shoud be consuming to make our gut happy and healthy  ·      The role that our microbiome plays in sport and exercise ·      Rebecca's own relationship with food – what do the experts eat? GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

Ali Honour wants to DOUBLE the amount of beans we eat globally. Why? Because not only are beans incredibly good for our bodies and our pockets, they're also great for the planet. Having spent decades working in all corners of the culinary industry, Ali understands how food and chefs can play a vital role in creating a healthier and more sustainable world. In this episode of Food Matters, Ali tells GIY Founder Mick Kelly about her passion for food, her mission to create a more sustainable food industry, and how beans can play a central role in the story. They also talk about: ·      Ali's extensive career in the food industry, including running her own cafes and working as Executive Chef in busy kitchens. ·      Why food cooked with love is food that people always love to eat ·      Leaving the industry to become a full-time advocate for sustainable food practices·      The role chefs can play in food sustainability ·      Her love of beans and why she's on a mission to double their consumption by 2028 through the ‘Beans is How' campaign  GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie  

If you've ever bought a head of broccoli in an Irish supermarket, Paul Brophy probably grew it. Paul Brophy Produce grows almost 11 million broccoli plants annually on 600 acres of land, supplying 75% of all broccoli plants on supermarket shelves. Starting with just 5 acres in 1983, Paul has spent the last three decades building his edible empire, investing heavily in land, innovative technologies, and relationships with every major retailer in the country. In this episode of Food Matters, Paul joins Mick Kelly of GIY to talk about his 30-year entrepreneurial journey, the highs and lows of building his market-leading company, and what needs to be done to solve the crisis in our food-growing industry.   · Why broccoli is known as the ‘diva' of the vegetable world  · The unique machinery, technology and systems that Paul uses to grow his plants  · Why climate change, contrary to popular belief, presents an opportunity for Irish food producers  · The damage that below-cost selling is doing to the food industry and food sustainability  · What needs to happen to avoid empty supermarket shelves and even more food producers leaving the industry -How broccoli is competing with ultra-processed foods  GIY are proud to align our mission, vision and impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, and in line with the UN Decade of Action, our ambition at GIY is to inspire 100 million people around the world to grow some of their own food by 2030.Join the GIY movement by following our social channels and signing up to our newsletter on GIY.ie 

How much are you willing pay to buy Irish, to buy organic, and to ensure that food producers are getting a fair price for their goods? In this episode of Food Done Right we learn about the psychology behind why we buy what we buy, the role that large retailers play in the food supply chain, and why it is so important that we support Irish producers and how we can be encouraged to do so more.  Our guest is Damian O'Reilly, Senior Lecturer in the School of Retail at Technological University, Dublin. 

Deirdre Doyle has dedicated her career to encouraging children to eat healthy food and to cook it for themselves. As founder of Cool Food School, Deirdre understands the challenges that parents can face when trying to get their kids to eat more greens and wholefoods. In this episode of Food Done Right she shares tips and tricks that can help to overcome these challenges and make healthy eating and cooking fun for children. Deidre also discusses the socio-economic issues which can affect many families across the country when it comes to buying and cooking fresh healthy ingredients, and why funding and education is the key. 

In this episode of Food Done Right, Mick Kelly hosts a panel discussion on practical ways to get children interested in growing their own food. Joined by Lilly Higgins, a food writer, chef and photographer, and Deirdre Doyle from the Cool Food School, they explore how to inspire children to connect with their food and shares insights on how to engage them both at home and in school. They also discuss the lack of food education in schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas where children may not have the opportunity to learn about food at home. 

Steve Collins is a medical doctor with a PhD in Nutrition, who has spent the last 35 years fighting malnutrition and starvation in the developing world. Steve has witnessed a lot of progress made in this area but unfortunately, he has also seen a reversing of that progress in recent years with global hunger levels starting to rise again.In this thought-provoking episode of Food Done Right, Steve talks about why this is happening and what needs to be done about it; the complexities between the World Health Organisation, the Irish government and the dairy farmer; and why he is growing Aronia Berries on the hills of West Cork. We also explore the intricate web of challenges and solutions at the nexus of food sustainability and global hunger, as Steve Collins shares his wealth of knowledge and experience.

From the promotion of rewilding to protecting pollinators, our actions to combat the biodiversity crisis are proving successful. But what else can we do? How can we encourage more of these effective actions and make them the norm rather than the exception? In this episode of Food Done Right these issues and many others are discussed by:- Pádraic Fogarty - Ecologist, Environmental Scientist & author of Whittled Away- Ray Ó Foghlú - Working with An Taisce in community engagement, Ray is a Nuffield Scholar from 2021, who studied the acquiring of social licence to increase tree cover in the Irish Landscape.- Steve Collins - Medical Doctor, with a PhD in Nutrition. He won a MB for his Humanitarian work in Africa and had recently returned to Ireland and is now growing Aronia Berries on a mountainside in West Cork.

Rory O'Boyle is an animal rights activist and volunteer for Go Vegan World. In this episode of Food Done Right he talks about:●His journey to becoming vegan and how difficult it is to speak about it to some people in his life who don't understand his choice●How it takes a change of mindset and overcoming bias to become vegan.●The difference between plant-based diets and veganism; and how being vegan is not a “diet”, it is a way of living and a social justice issue.●His work with Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary in Meath and Go Vegan World. 

On this episode we explore the science behind how a change in diet will help us achieve our food sustainability goals. Recorded at Waterford's Harvest Festival, a panel of food producers and environmental activists discuss differences in views around food production, consumption and the impact of both on the planet. Our panellists are: Mairead Costin - Owner and Manager of Garraí Mara, Waterford.John Gibbons - Environmental commentator, Irish Times Columnist and as a weekly Contributor on Matt Cooper's, The Last Word, on Today FM.Rory O'Boyle - Animal Rights Activist and Volunteer for Go Vegan WorldCiaran Sullivan – a Beef and Lamb Farmer, striving to enhance biodiversity on his farm.

Meet Máiréad, a beacon of inspiration in the realm of Irish organic horticulture and a proud representative of the increasing number of female farmers in Ireland. Entering into the world of organic farming during a career break from healthcare in 2017, Máiréad has since cultivated not just crops, but a vision: Garraí Mara. It's more than just a farm; it's a testament to Máiréad's dedication to health promotion, mental well-being, and sustainable farming practices. As someone who understands the profound healing power of nature and the importance of consuming fresh, organic produce, Máiréad has intertwined her expertise from her healthcare days and her passion for farming. And in the heart of the Gaeltacht, she's also keen on promoting the Irish language, making her endeavors at Garraí Mara a blend of culture, health, and food sustainability.

John Gibbons is one of Ireland best-known environmental journalists and commentators. A very familiar voice on radio shows like The Last Word with Matt Cooper on Today FM, John is also behind the blog Think or Swim, and writes regularly in national print media. In this episode of Food Done Right, John joins GIY to talk about how things have changed, both for better and worse, over the last 15 years since he first became  involved in climate action. They also discuss how environmental advocates can stay sane in the face of the horror of climate change and how to communicate the problems effectively amidst apathy, denial and fatalism. 

A fascinating panel discussion from GIY's Harvest festival where four experts in food production and sustainability discuss the global issues that have been affecting us in recent years. They reflect on how the COVID-19 Pandemic, the War in Ukraine and Climate Change have impacted our food systems and they explore what we can do to become more resilient and diverse in our local food systems. Our panellists were:John Gibbons - Environmental commentator, Irish Times Columnist and weekly contributor to The Last Word with Matt Cooper's on Today FM.Steve Collins - Medical Doctor, with a PhD in Nutrition. Steve won a MB for his Humanitarian work in Africa and had recently returned to Ireland and is now growing Aronia Berries on a mountainside in West Cork.Kitty Scully - Writer, presenter, and well-known Gardener. Kitty has recently been to South Africa as part of her study and research in Regenerative Agriculture. She is also Co-ordinator of Organic Growers Ireland. Richard Mee - Our own Head Grower GIY HQ. Richard has accumulated over 40 years of growing experience. He studied for a BSc in Horticulture at Reading University and an MSc in Organic Farming at the Scottish Agricultural College. In addition to the UK and Ireland, Richard has grown veg all over the world, including Central America and Africa.

The food given to the sick, or those in institutional care, says a lot about the value we place on it in society. Hospital food has long exemplified a degraded view of food, but Joyce Timmins' efforts at Rotunda Hospital have won her awards and sparked a new conversation. Horticultural therapist Rachel Gerrard coordinates the garden at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, where growing is integral to recovery and homegrown food makes its way onto patients' plates.

Chefs play a major role in determining food trends. Advocacy specialist Paul Newnham works to mobilise chefs globally to take action towards addressing SDG2, Zero Hunger. In what might seem contradictory, this movement includes high-end restaurants, where the trends these top chefs create have the potential to change food culture more widely. At Michelin starred Aimsir, Tom Downes describes how he left his role in the kitchen to take over the on-site farm, seeking to educate the food world about the importance of hyperlocal, seasonal food.

The major global tech companies have created their own food culture over the last decade, characterised as excessive and wasteful at times, but trail-blazing elsewhere. Airbnb's former Executive Chef Maurice McGeehan explains more, before detailing the food needs of very different professionals - Irish rugby players. Tim Holmes then takes us behind the scenes of the veg garden tended by the team that bring us Guinness.

Northern Europe is generally a good place to look for how the world should function sustainably. In Holland, Geert van der Veer's organisation Herenboeren enables groups of 200 people to co-invest in a farm and take control of the food supply in their area. In a housing estate in Kildare, Pat Pender and his neighbours have transformed wasted land to do the same at an even more local level.

School closures during lockdown revealed the dependency so many children have on school meals. Serial food entrepreneur, writer and researcher Michelle Darmody explains how it also revealed the quality of these meals and the lack of emphasis on food literacy in our education system. On the opposite side of the world in Zambia, teacher Charles Banda is working to address similar problems by creating his own school garden, inspired, somehow, by GIY's TV series Grow Cook Eat.

The global food system is at its worst in American households. Roger Doiron campaigned for the White House to create a kitchen garden to help educate Americans about their food, which has survived the tumultuous transitions of power over the last decade. One former Obama campaigner turned Irish resident, Erin Fornoff explains how growing food can be done anywhere, including the roof of her houseboat.  

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